A nurse is caring for a client who is dying of metastatic breast cancer. She has a prescription for an opioid pain medication PRN. The nurse is concerned that administering a dose of pain medication might hasten the client's death. Which of the following ethical principles should the nurse use to support the decision not to administer the medication?

Fidelity

Veracity

Utilitarianism

Non-maleficence

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

A. Fidelity: Fidelity refers to the duty to fulfill one's commitments and obligations. While important in nursing practice, fidelity is not directly applicable to the decision not to administer pain medication in this scenario.
B. Veracity: Veracity refers to truthfulness and honesty in communication. While it is important for the nurse to communicate honestly with the client and their family about the risks and benefits of pain management, the decision not to administer pain medication is primarily based on the principle of non-maleficence.
C. Utilitarianism: Utilitarianism is an ethical theory that emphasizes the greatest good for the greatest number of people. While pain relief may contribute to the overall well-being of the client, the decision not to administer pain medication in this scenario is more closely aligned with the principle of non-maleficence, as it focuses on avoiding harm to the individual client.
D. Non-maleficence: Non-maleficence is the ethical principle that emphasizes the duty to do no harm. In this situation, the nurse's primary concern is to avoid causing harm to the client. Administering pain medication to relieve suffering, even if it might hasten death, aligns with the principle of non-maleficence because the intent is to alleviate suffering and provide comfort to the dying client.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. "I will feel less hungry during meals while I am taking orlistat": Orlistat works by blocking the absorption of dietary fat in the intestines rather than suppressing appetite. Therefore, it does not typically reduce hunger during meals.
B. "I will eat a no-fat diet to prevent side effects from the medication": Orlistat can cause gastrointestinal side effects such as oily stools, fecal incontinence, and flatulence, particularly when consumed with high-fat meals. While reducing fat intake can help minimize these side effects, it is not necessary to eliminate fat entirely from the diet. The statement is partially correct but not the best response indicating full understanding.
C. "I will stop taking orlistat and call my doctor if my urine gets darker in color": Dark urine can indicate liver problems, which are a potential side effect of orlistat. Therefore, it is crucial for the client to monitor for this symptom and contact their healthcare provider if it occurs. This response indicates that the client understands the potential adverse effects of the medication.
D. "I will take my dose of orlistat every morning an hour before breakfast": Orlistat is typically taken with meals or up to one hour after eating. Taking it on an empty stomach before breakfast is not recommended.

A. Hypocalcemia B. Diuretic use C. Family history D. BMI less than 25

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. Hypocalcemia: Hypocalcemia, or low levels of calcium in the blood, is not typically associated with an increased risk of urolithiasis. In fact, hypercalcemia, or high levels of calcium, is more commonly linked to the formation of calcium-based kidney stones.
B. Diuretic use: Diuretic medications can increase urine production and may contribute to dehydration, which can predispose individuals to the formation of kidney stones. However, diuretic use alone is not as significant a risk factor as other factors like dehydration or specific dietary habits.
C. Family history: Family history of urolithiasis is a significant risk factor for developing kidney stones. Genetic factors can influence the likelihood of stone formation, and individuals with a family history of kidney stones are at a higher risk of experiencing them themselves.
D. BMI less than 25: Obesity and higher BMI (body mass index) are associated with an increased risk of urolithiasis. Excess body weight can lead to metabolic changes that promote the formation of kidney stones. Therefore, having a BMI less than 25 is less likely to be a risk factor compared to having a higher BMI.

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Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is providing teaching for a client who has binge-eating disorder and is morbidly obese. The client has been prescribed orlistat. Which of the following statements indicates to the nurse that the client understands the teaching?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a client who has a new diagnosis of urolithiasis. Which of the following should the nurse identify as an associated risk factor?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A nurse is administering a tap water enema to a client who is constipated. During the administration of the enema, the client states he is having abdominal cramps. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to relieve the client's discomfort?

A nurse is caring for a client who has active pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) and a new prescription for IV rifampin. The nurse should instruct the client that they should expect to experience which of the following manifestations while taking this medication?

A nurse is assessing a client who has fluid overload. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect? (Select all that apply.)

A nurse is monitoring a client who was admitted with a severe burn injury and is receiving IV fluid resuscitation therapy. The nurse should identify a decrease in which of the following findings as an indication of adequate fluid replacement?

A nurse is assessing a toddler at a well-child visit. At what point in the physical examination should the nurse examine the child's tympanic membrane?

A nurse is caring for a client who has returned from the surgical suite following surgery for a fractured mandible. The client had intermaxillary fixation to repair and stabilize the fracture. Which of the following actions is the priority for the nurse to take?

A nurse is providing teaching to a client who has asthma and a new prescription for inhaled beclomethasone. Which of the following instructions should the nurse provide?

A nurse is caring for a client who has congestive heart failure and is taking digoxin daily. The client refused breakfast and is complaining of nausea and weakness. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?